A US woman who shot and killed her husband and two adult children before taking her own life is thought to have committed the shocking crime as a result of being ostracised from the religion she was raised in.

A federal judge sentenced a former Arkansas judge Wednesday to five years in prison — a stiffer punishment than prosecutors recommended — after he admitted giving young male defendants lighter sentences in return for personal benefits that included sexual favours.

Every time I tell a mate I’m doing a story on cryptocurrency, they invariably ask me the same two questions: should they invest their own hard-earned money, and which cryptocurrency will get them a Lamborghini/yacht/island quickest?

In a 60 Minutes online exclusive, reporter Liz Hayes quizzed Australian Prime Minister Malcolm Turnbull on his relationship with the unpredictable Twitter aficionado and US president Donald Trump ahead of their meeting at the White House Friday.

Related Articles

He is one of a number of Abbott backers expected to be demoted or axed when the new ministry is unveiled.

"I think that continuity at the moment is quite important in this instance," he told reporters as he confirmed Australian fighter jets had carried out their first strikes on Islamic State targets inside Syria.

As well as operations in the Middle East and Afghanistan, publication of the Defence white paper was just weeks away and the department was going through its most significant restructure in early 50 years.

There are reports Education Minister Christopher Pyne has been offered the defence portfolio.

Treasurer Joe Hockey isn't sitting on his hands waiting for Mr Turnbull to decide his future.

Amid speculation he will be the highest-profile casualty of the reshuffle, Mr Hockey brought to parliament tax-avoidance measures aimed at big multinational corporates.

He also ordered the sale of five additional residential properties unlawfully held by foreign nationals.

And in a press conference at Parliament House a buoyant Mr Hockey adroitly deflected questions about his future.

"No, I am not going to answer that question," he said to a reporter who asked him whether he would still be treasurer next week.

"No, no I am not going to speculate on it, calm down."

But Mr Hockey clearly indicated his willingness to continue in the role, admitting he could always do more to sell his economic message.

"And you can always do more to strengthen the Australian economy," he said.

Labor says Mr Turnbull should be making a decision about who he wants as treasurer now, rather than waiting until the weekend.

"He's talking in the parliament, he's getting impassioned, he wants people to listen to him and no one's paying attention," he told reporters.

"It's like he's just standing there and no one notices he's there any more."

But Mr Hockey's assistant minister said it was right for Mr Turnbull to be taking his time in forming a new frontbench.

"It is absolutely appropriate ... and I'm sure they will be very good decisions," Josh Frydenberg told Sky News.

Finance Minister Mathias Cormann, another Abbott supporter, said he was looking forward to doing everything he could to support the new prime minister.

"I am a team player, I always have been, always will be," he told reporters.

Environment Minister Greg Hunt, who has lost responsibility for water to Agriculture Minister Barnaby Joyce under a new coalition deal Mr Turnbull brokered with The Nationals, said he very comfortable and confident about his position.